April 22, 2016

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

LOVE offers flowers and candy page 6

Chris Ulven is new Executive Director of JSS page 7

Yom Ha’zikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut page 12

Remembering Sam Fried

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AnnETTE vAn dE KAMpWRigHT Editor of the Jewish Press am Fried passed away on Monday, April 11, 2016. He was born in Rakosin, Eastern Czechoslovakia. Sam was the youngest of four siblings, but his youth ended abruptly when the Nazis invaded his country. Although through sheer tenacity he survived the War, for many years he made an effort not to talk about his experiences.

Sam didn’t want to be defined by Auschwitz, and he was determined not to live in the past; he wanted to look forward. He and his first wife, Magda, came to the United States, where they learned the language, raised a family, and rebuilt their lives.

“I am a Jew by birth,” Sam would say, “and an American by choice.”

“This was a man who lived his life totally on the playing field and never in the bleachers,” his friend Tom Fellman said. “Sam was passionate about our community. A few months ago, I had the good fortune of soliciting Sam’s annual Federation pledge. As usual, Sam and Frances were both at home, all dressed up with the coffee pot on. We sat together and visited for over an hour. Sam told me how important cigarettes were to him. Not important like most people who smoke, but because he used them to incentivize immigration officials. Those cigarettes helped him and others escape from Czechoslovakia.”

After initially arriving in New York, Magda and Sam ended up in Omaha because, as Sam said, “It was on the way to somewhere else.”

Then in 1977 the Nazi party announced they would march in Skokie, Illinois, a Chicago suburb where one out of six residents was a Holocaust survivor. Sam could no

Credit: Cynthia J. Kohll Photography

longer be silent. He became involved with organizing a dinner for liberators and, together with Louis Blumkin, began thinking in earnest about Holocaust education.

“Sam is one of the last unsung heroes in our Jewish community,” Fellman added.

“These past 25 years he was passionate about Holocaust education. Every chance he had to speak he told the true story of what happened to so many under Hitler’s regime.

He spoke to schools and social groups all over the State.

“Sam helped create and fund the Holocaust Memorial at the Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln. On the day the Memorial opened, we had a motorcycle honor guard riding to Lincoln. We rode in honor of Sam Fried. Howard Kooper and I were privileged to have Sam ask for our help in funding his Holocaust education program and pursuing his passion. We always participated. Sam will be dearly See Sam Fried page 11

Sokolof Merit Scholarships

inside

9 10 11

Yom HaShoah

APRIL 22, 2016 | 14 NISAN 5776 | VOL. 96 | NO. 32 | cAndLELigHTing | FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 7:47 P.M. | SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 7:47 P.M.

Jacob Klein

Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

WWW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORG

SponSoREd bY THE bEnJAMin And AnnA E. WiESMAn FAMiLY EndoWMEnT Fund

Abigail Hack

LindA poLLARd Endowment Assistant/Staff Writer, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Academic excellence, exceptional talents and skills, compassion, and dedication are some of the qualities shared by all of this year’s recipients

Efrat Tsabari

Rachel Martin

of the Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Merit Scholarship. $10,000 awards will be given to two high school seniors and two students in the health care field. One music student was awarded the $10,000 Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund award. None of the scholarships are need-based, but rather given on the late Phil Sokolof ’s criteria of personal achievement, scholastic performance, community service and overall good character. He endowed the funds 11 years ago to honor exceptional students. Scholarship winners for their freshman year of college are Jacob Klein and Abigail Hack; in health care are Efrat Tsabari and Rachel Martin; and in

Arthur Masyuk

music is Arthur Masyuk. The community is invited to a reception honoring these recipients on Thursday, May 12, at 7 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium.

JAcob KLEin Jacob will graduate from Burke High School this spring and plans to attend the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities with a major in kinesiology. His goal is to become a physician. Jacob is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society and has received the AP Scholar Award.

Throughout his high school years, Jacob has been active in the Burke varsity golf team, the Key Club and See Scholarships page 2

AnnETTE vAn dE KAMp-WRigHT Editor of the Jewish Press May 4 is Yom HaShoah, when our community will come together at 7 p.m. at Temple Israel to remember the victims and honor the survivors of the Holocaust. Several events are planned surrounding the commemoration.

On April 27 at 7 p.m. the film Swimming in Auschwitz will be shown at the Jewish Community Center.

According to IMDb, “Six Jewish women, from different countries and different backgrounds, found themselves deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau during the Holocaust. This film chronicles that experience through their eyes.

Swimming in Auschwitz gives us a perspective of the camp, its surroundings and the Holocaust that we need to understand and remember, so that we never forget.”

The film is appropriate for high school students and adults. There is no cost to attend, and it is not necessary to RSVP. One of the six women featured in the film is Holocaust survivor and this year’s Yom HaShoah keynote speaker Renee Firestone.

She will be visiting Omaha May 24, and in addition to the community-wide Holocaust Commemoration, she will speak at several schools and at the Durham Museum’s Stanley and Dorothy Truhlsen Lecture Hall on Tuesday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Reservations for this lecture should be made by email to Reservations@DurhamMuseum.org.

Julie Bien, in the Jewish Journal, wrote: “Firestone’s life has included a number of remarkable episodes.

Along with her brother Frank, she survived the death camps of the Holocaust. Her mother and sister were killed at Auschwitz, and her father succumbed to tuberculosis at the end of the war.

After the war, Firestone and her brother settled in Prague, where she attended the Prague School of Commercial Arts. In 1948, Renee and her husband Bernard, together with their infant daughter Klara, came to the United States where Renee and her husband built a successful career in fashion design. Renee began speaking publicly about her wartime experiences in the early 1980s; she was one of five Holocaust survivors to appear in Steven Spielberg’s 1998 documentary The Last Days.

May 4, together with her See Yom HaShoah page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | April 22, 2016

community As you gather with family and friends this Passover, consider establishing an endowment that helps needy Omaha Jews at Passover and throughout the year.

Contact Howard Epstein, Executive Director 402-334-6466 | hepstein@jewishomaha.org | www.jfofoundation.org

Freelance Writer wanted The Jewish Press staff seeks a local freelance writer for original story assignments, $0.10 per word.

If you are interested, email cover letter and writing sample to the editor at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

No phone calls please.

A win for BBYO AZA BBYO’s Omaha Council’s Mother Chapter AZA #1 members competed in the annual Spring Regional Convention basketball tournament and won for the first time in recent history! Congratulations to their chapter on a job well done.

Scholarships

Continued from page 1 Senior Senate. He has spent many hours volunteering with the elderly, the poor, the sick, as well as with animals, demonstrating compassion well beyond his years. In his scholarship essay, Jacob wrote, “My greatest passion in life is helping others, and I hope to become a doctor so I can keep making people’s days a little bit better”. Over the past four years Jacob has continued to work at Sunridge Village Retirement Home, Miracle Hills Golf Course and Omaha Internal Medicine.

In describing Jacob, a teacher wrote that he has, “an inspiring energy and a deep motivation to reach the level of achievement that he has accomplished”. Another wrote that, “Jacob has fabulous interpersonal skills, displays good leadership, and is well liked and respected by both his peers and teachers”.

Jacob’s parents are Janet and Harry Klein.

ABigAil HACk This spring Abby will graduate from Westside High School. Abby has not yet determined which college she will attend, but is considering a number of top-rated universities. She is an AP Distinguished Scholar, a Cornhusker Girls’ State representative, and has received numerous academic awards at Westside. Abby is also an award-winning artist. Abby is a member of the select JCC Dance Training Company, has choreographed dances, and has been an assistant counselor at Dance Camps. She is also very involved in Temple Youth Group, this year holding the position of the NFTY Missouri Valley’s Regional Cabinet Ruach Chair.

Last summer Abby worked at Shwayder Camp in Colorado as a veggie chef.

Abby wrote in her essay, “I’m an intense gal and I challenge myself every day to be better than the day before.”

Others described Abby as “revered by her peers because she is a constant source of positivity.” One teacher referred to Abby as, “very successful at anything that she puts her mind to.”

Abby’s parents are Rosie Zweiback and Mace Hack.

EfRAt tSABARi Effie is currently a student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in the Physician Assistant program. She plans to graduate in December of 2017. Effie is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she was very involved in Alpha Epsilon Phi, a Jewish sorority, and was the Senior Leadership Officer. She has done extensive volunteer work in the health care field, and is currently volunteering at One World TB Clinic. She has also volunteered at Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah, the Salvation Army and Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. She has worked at the Institute for Holocaust Education, Camp Young Judea, the Anti-Defamation League, Temple Beth Shalom in Austin, Sunrise Senior Living in Chicago, and most recently at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. To Effie, working in the healthcare system is her passion, and she has worked diligently and volunteered countless hours to this end. A testament to her passion is obvious in Effie’s essay. Effie wrote, “I am positive that my ardor and enthusiasm for both health and patient care will allow

me to properly represent the people in my care”.

Terms used to describe Effie are, “kind, refined, exceptionally professional, diligent, and intellectually curious”.

One recommendation stated that Effie, “strove to be the best, but with an unassuming manner. She is a quiet winner”.

Effie’s parent are Eadie and Eitan Tsabari.

RACHEl MARtin Currently attending the College of St. Mary, Rachel is seeking a degree in occupational therapy. She graduated cum laude from the University of Arizona in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Spanish.

While at Arizona, Rachel received academic honors on the Dean’s List and the Rho Lambda Honor Society for National Sorority Leadership Recognition. She completed the Temple Israel Leadership Development course and is the NCJW Omaha Section Vice President of Public Relations.

During her undergraduate years, Rachel volunteered on and off campus. Rachel is currently the BBYO/Teen Program Director at the JCC, where she directs all BBYO and teen programming. She has also been a substitute teacher for Temple Israel’s Religious School, a writer for The Jewish Press, and a JCC swimming instructor among other jobs.

Rachel believes with the flexibility of occupational therapy, she will be able to assist people of all ages and in different settings, while fulfilling her desire to help others.

In her essay Rachel wrote, “Upon deciding I wanted to pursue a career in the health care field, I knew that I wanted to help people, with a focus on children, and that I enjoyed variety.” Rachel has been referred to as, “a bright light,” and “top notch academically, extremely motivated to succeed, dependable with a compassion for life.”

Rachel’s parents are Julie and Mark Martin.

ARtHuR MASYuk Arthur is attending DePaul University as a graduate student in violin performance. Arthur was awarded a Bachelor of Music with Distinction from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in 2015. He has won various awards for performances and competitions. Throughout college Arthur has worked as a violin instructor, Russian language tutor, violinist, translator for French to English, and a teaching assistant.

Since the age of seven Arthur has been passionate about the violin, and he has been taking lessons and performing ever since. He is also fluent in French and continues to translate.

Arthur states, “Music has served as a life reference, simultaneously anchoring me in a profession yet leading me to discover everything beyond that could enrich it”.

Writing about Arthur, an instructor stated Arthur is, “extraordinarily mature and dedicated to his craft and has a serious potential to become a highly successful professional musician”. Another instructor called Arthur, “intelligent, versatile and responsible.”

Arthur’s parents are Karina and Terry Brown.

The Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Merit Scholarships and the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund are administered by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Jody Malashock chairs an otherwise anonymous committee that selected the award recipients.

Ready! Set! Grow! Friedel PTO Plant & Flower Sale is blooming soon

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GabbY bLaiR he signs of spring are undeniable. Trees are blooming, birds are singing, grass is growing and The Friedel Jewish Academy PTO’s Annual Plant and Flower Sale is just around the corner. For the past four years, Friedel Mamas and green thumb garden enthusiasts, Susan Witkowski and Gabby Blair, have cochaired this highly anticipated event.

They are again teaming up with local producers, Bloomsorganics Farm and Estate Landscape Nursery, to supply you with everything you need to grow your perfect garden on Thursday May 5 and Friday May 6 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the JCC Main Entrance.

Whether you’d just like a hanging basket for that special mom for Mother’s Day, a few bedding flowers for a patio planter, or a full suite of organic, high quality, locally nurtured veggie and herb starters for your giant garden, we have got you covered!

Without a doubt, our fresh-fromthe-farm garden starters are our biggest draw. We have a growing number of repeat customers seeking out the rare heirloom varieties of veggies and herbs you cannot find anywhere else, so be sure to shop early for the best selection, as some varieties are limited. As always, you can select from tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, broccoli, eggplant, cucumber, melons, lettuce, chard, kale, basil, chives, rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, chamomile, lemongrass, sage, nastur-

tiums and verbena, just to name a few! You will be dazzled by the beautiful selection of brightly colored bedding flowers including marigolds, sun

The Jewish Press | April22, 2016 | 3

efforts of a truly amazing group of grassroots volunteers to whom Jewish education for their children is a priority, by getting your garden plants from

Lauren Wertheim, yearly volunteer, left; susan Witkowski and Gabby blair, co-chairs; noah blair peeking from behind; brent and Rebecca bloom of bloomsorganic Farms; and Danni christensen, FJa-PTo President. patiens, impatiens, geraniums, coleus, daisies, petunias, begonias, pentas, and vincas, all healthy, locally grown and lovingly tended.

When you support events of the FJA-PTO, such as buying your garden starters at our plant sale or attending the Hanukkah Latke Lunch, 100% of all proceeds directly benefit the students and teachers at the school.

Through the generosity of those who attend our events and of the parents who donate their time through volunteering, the PTO is able to help support school-wide celebrations and provide support and show appreciation to our fabulous teachers.

Please consider helping support the

us on May 5 and 6. If gardening is not your passion, consider planting the seeds of kindness by making a donation to the FJA-PTO that will allow us to continue to support our school.

If you would like to become involved with the Jewish Community Garden, adjacent to Friedel, we are looking for volunteers to help weed, till, plant, and tend, especially over summer months when school is not in session. If you would like to volunteer with the Jewish Community Garden, please contact Friedel Principal Beth Cohen at bcohen@fjaomaha.com or 402.334.0517 for more information.

Please remember that all sales are cash or check only, please!

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Yom HaShoah

continued from page 1 daughter Klara, Renee will meet with Omaha Jewish teens from all three synagogues, as well as other survivors at Temple Israel for the Yom HaShoah Youth program. Renee and Klara will speak on the topic “Why have you chosen to be involved as an activist in the prevention and awareness- raising of other genocides? Why are you involved with the Freedom Writers and other social justice projects?”

“The Youth Program provides a unique and valuable opportunity to students,” says Liz Feldstern, Executive Director of the Institute for Holocaust Education.

“They will interact with Renee and Klara as well as with local survivors, exchange ideas and place them in context.

Some day, these youth will have to bear witness, so learning opportunities like these are invaluable.”

The Youth program is open to all Jewish students in grades 8-12th; it begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is included.

Immediately following the Youth Program, Renee will share her personal story with the community during the evening program, which begins at 7 p.m. in Temple Israel’s main sanctuary.

To submiT announcemenTs

Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewish omaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewish omaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Please check the Jewish Press, for notices of early deadlines.

Mazal Tov, Aaron!

We are so proud of your achievements – membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from the Band.

ere Photo h

Love, Mom, Dad, brothers and sisters

by 4 inches

Congrats, Rachel!

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The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 by May 4.

We are so proud of your achievements – membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from B.E.S.T.T. Love, Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters and grandparents

4 | The Jewish Press | April 22, 2016

community Celebrating Sisterhood and Passover at Chabad GaBBY BLair Over a dozen women gathered at Omaha Chabad on the evening of Thursday, April 7, to enjoy an evening of study, sisterhood, inspiration, music and sharing in preparation for Passover. Led by Shani Katzman, this uplifting event included refreshments of fresh fruits and kosher wines, as well as a showcase of lovely kosher for Passover desserts made by Shani, along with her recipes. The beautiful table was set with Passover inspired centerpieces of artfully decorated jars that were filled with bouquets of beautiful, colorful, fresh vegetables and greens much to the delight of the guests in attendance. “I was on the way to buy flowers for the table tonight,� said Katzmann, when asked about her inspiration, “and as I was in the store, I thought, why flowers? Why not vegetables, and bitter herbs, parsley..., the idea struck me and I thought, why not apply the symbolism of Passover to everything, down to the centerpieces!� Lynne Saltzman, who was in attendance that evening, shared her opinion that “Shani always puts on fabulous events for women. It is so nice to get together and see her creative ideas on everything from table decor, to ways to involve children in the seder preparations and the event itself. We always learn something new, even if we have been there year after year. It was truly a special evening!�

Katzman also prepared fun conversation boxes filled with small, everyday items pertaining to the holiday to help kickstart deeper conversations at the seder table about the symbolism and meaning within the Passover story. Tippi Denenberg, who enjoys attending many of Chabad’s events throughout the year, said that “Shani is an endless fount of inspiring ideas and has a great talent in merging the traditional into modern adaptations.�

The group sang, danced, played tambourines and learned new songs together. One of these new songs, Shine A Little Light, was accompanied by a poignant music video. Written

by Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz, a California-based Chabad Emissary, husband and father of seven, who is living with severe ALS, it was performed by a compilation of renowned Jewish artists, including footage of a younger, healthier version of himself. It served as a tearful, yet uplifting, story of positiv-

ity in the face of a debilitating illness. Hurwitz’s story struck a chord with attendee Marlene Cohen, who was moved by this tribute. “The video and story about Yitzi reminds us of what is important in this world. Shani’s event was so inspirational, as is everything she hosts!� Cohen goes on to say she “encourages more women to attend whatever Shani’s next event is because the flow of insight and inspiration only grows with the number of women attending.�

Katzman also had an array of beautifully illustrated haggadahs she employed to help paint the story of Passover. The important role of women during the times leading up to the Exodus, and the great strength, faith and forethought our female predecessors exhibited on their drawn out journey to the Promised Land, was discussed in great detail. Questions and debate yielded answers and insight deeper into the Passover story and our role in it today. Karen Cohen adds: “This event was meaningful in that we got to examine the ways we grapple with our own personal Egypts. Shani is so gifted as a teacher and as a friend; her warmth and insight inspired all of us to work to beautify not only the physical, but also the spiritual aspect of our seders and we should be blessed that our guests, that our children, should leave the table physically satiated, but with their souls exhilarated and hungry for more.�

Any women interested in learning more about the weekly parshas, holidays and the many important roles and contributions of the strong and wise women in our history are invited to attend Shani’s Women’s Study Class Monday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at The Chabad House. On a personal note, I can say that this class is a great way to start the week; it gives me a framework in which to consider the events that unfold between Shabbats. While I have never gotten much out of reading the parshas alone, I continue to be surprised at just how relevant each parsha is on a weekly basis.

Importance of screening options motivates twotime cancer survivor

Brian Ortner American Cancer Society March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time when countless survivors, caregivers and advocates join together to educate the public about this dangerous but highly preventable disease. Two-time cancer survivor, Michelle Shkolnick, knows the importance of early detection. She had a colonoscopy scheduled within the first week following her 50th birthday. Michelle says, “I had my colonoscopy five days after I turned 50. They removed a small polyp that they found. Had I not had a colonoscopy, this would have turned into colon cancer. Because they found and removed it, I will not get colon cancer. Simple. Easy. Now go make an appointment.�

Michelle shkolnick Guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommend that individuals begin screening when reaching the age of 50 or if there is family history of the disease. Colorectal cancer death rates have declined by 47% in the past several decades, falling from 29.2 per 100,000 Americans in 1970 to 14.7 in 2012. Factors contributing to this success include increased population screening, changing patterns in risk factors, and improvements in treatment.

Of those who fall into the recommended category for screening in Nebraska, approximately 60.6% have taken action. Talk to your doctor about getting screened and what options may be best for you. This year over 95,000 new colon cancer diagnoses will be made, and Shkolnick is proud that she will not be one of them. She has heard many people say they don’t want to go through the prep of a colonoscopy because it is unpleasant. In her words, “You know what is more unpleasant? Learning that you have cancer.�

Most health insurance plans cover screening, which can prevent cancer or find it at an early stage. Talk to your doctor about getting screened.

There are several screening options available, including simple takehome options. Information on screening and answers to common questions can be found at www.cancer.org/colon.

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We are a non-profit religious institution. The position is full time, Monday through Friday. This position is the first contact for congregants and members of the community, therefore the candidate must exhibit exceptional interpersonal, relationship building, and problem solving skills. A crucial aspect of this position is serving as the Executive Assistant to the Rabbi and Cantor. This entails providing accurate correspondence, as well as responsibility for maintaining and ensuring that the Clergy calendars are accurate. Superior proof reading skills are essential. Included is the ability to handle a variety of calls and in person contacts, covering a range of issues, including occasional complaints. All of these contacts must be handled in a sensitive, warm and always professional manner, while maintaining the highest level of sensitivity and confidentiality. Strong organizational skills are essential.

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Six13 rocks the house for CANTOR’S CONCERT shErriE saaG for Beth El Synagogue his year’s CANTOR’S CONCERT: “unplugged” rocked Beth El Synagogue’s sanctuary on April 3 as the a capella singing sensation, Six13, made their Omaha debut.

Over 400 packed the synagogue for a kids’ beat box workshop, an opening number that included dozens of performing congregants and an incredible concert by Six13. Concert attendees were treated to the group’s own version of the Nebraska fight song as they introduced the community to Jewish a capella music at its finest.

Joanie Jacobson supported the fundraising efforts and performed with her fellow congregants. She said: “What a great day for Beth El! Music is what we love and what we do. Six13 swept me away, they were so incredibly talented, funny and polished. They knew just how to make an audience happy and glad they’re Jewish! Great pick, Hazzan!”

Joanie continued: “But the real joy for me was working with the Beth El singers, dancers, musicians, and kids. I was so proud to be part of this team.

The six guitarists were fantastic, the performers were spot-on, and the kids raised the roof! Everyone worked hard to get it right. They wanted to be good onstage and ended up being great onstage! There’s so much talent at Beth El, and boy, do we love to sing and dance! It was so fun!”

One of those musicians was guitarist Ed Clignett. It was his first time performing on a Beth El stage. “The concert was one of the best experiences I have had in my musical career. I met five other guitarists that are simply amazing to listen to, let alone sit next to and play with.

“I have been a professional rock musician a good part of my life, but this was the first time I played acoustically, and the first time I played Jewish music as well. It was both an honor and a privilege to be a part of the show and watch Joanie (Jacobson) and Hazzan Krausman’s vision come to life. I hope we can come together again, and I sincerely hope to be invited to contribute to the next concert. Thank you to all for including me.”

Hazzan Krausman, a fan of Six13’s long before they performed in Omaha, said, “Six13 quite literally rocked the house! They led a spirited and fun beat box workshop for delighted K-12 students prior to show time; the kids then joined Six13 for a number on stage.

There were also two groups of synagogue members performing and, of course, our kids! The sanctuary was filled with an electrified audience of over 400 people.”

Hazzan Krausman says he always envisions three goals for the Cantor’s Concerts: to provide a quality Jewish music experience for the community; to establish Beth El as the place to be for concerts of Jewish music; and to generate sufficient proceeds from the concerts to invest in scholarships for Beth El students who wish to participate in Jewish summer programs.

“Yasher Koach and sincere thanks to our concert chairs, Pam and Bruce Friedlander, our production coordina-

tor, Joanie Jacobson, program director Margie Gutnik and the rest of the Beth El team for all their work in helping put together an unforgettable event for the whole community. Thanks to the generosity of the donors who supported us, we raised record funds for our scholarship fund,” said Hazzan Krausman.

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kids going to summer camp with assistance from the Youth Scholarship Fund, and her enthusiasm for the Cantor’s Concert is infectious. “It was a lot of fun to learn a dance and sing at the concert because we got to raise money for camp scholarships. Six13 was entertaining because they sang songs with just their voices. I got to hang out with many of my Jewish friends doing something we all love... listening to Jewish music!”

Julia understands the importance of raising money for camp scholarships.

“Not every family can spend that much money every single year. If I didn’t get a scholarship for camp, I don’t know what I would do. I would miss Camp Ramah so much. I love that we get to do so many cool activities and have Shabbat services by the lake. I can’t really put it into words how much I love camp and how thankful I am that Beth El provides help to me and others just like me who love camp. The Cantor’s concert is so much fun, I hope I see you there next year!”

Mom Karen Klingberg volunteered “behind the scenes” and agreed the show was awesome. “Thanks to this and other efforts, my kids can have a wonderful summer experience while they strengthen their Jewish connection and identity. Win-win!”

Beth El appreciates the support of all those who attended the concert and the following community members who made a financial commitment: Howard and Sharon Kooper, Milton and Max-

Amy Friedman, Jerry and Linda Gordman, Jon Jabenis, Gary and Karen Javitch, Howard and Gloria Kaslow, Howard K. and Lisa Marcus, Allan and Janie Murow, Steve and Patty Nogg, Steve and Joye Wees, Rabbi Steven and Shira Abraham, Bruce and Margie Gutnik, Hazzan Michael and Laurel Krausman, Jeff and Sandy Passer, Marty and Iris Ricks, Norman and Joodi Veitzer, Harry Berman and Beth Cohen, Michael and Karen Cohen, Larry and Hanna DeBruin, Richard and Cheryl Diamond, Gary and Lisa Epstein, Tuffy and Helen Epstein, Scott Farkas and Mimi Rogers, David and Judi Finkle, Donald and Andi Goldstein, Fred and Sarah Kader, Marcel and Ilse Kahn, David and Shane Kotok, Gary and Cheryl Lerner, Sheldon Lerner and Lourdes Secola, Joel and Mary Rich, Nancy Rips, Marc and Caryn Scheer, Ed Schneider, Wayne Schwarz and Lori Kooper-Schwarz, Ben Shapiro and Amy Reynolds, Larry and Sherry Shapiro, Marty and Aveva Shukert, Scott and Jill Simon, Nancy Skid, Steve and Marilyn Tipp, Irv and Gail Veitzer, Phil and Jan Wayne, Jim and Esther Wax, Rich and Audrey Wiener, Isaac and Susan Witkowski and Morley and Charlotte Zipursky.

The Cantor’s concert is a Beth El tradition and fundraiser to benefit the Youth Scholarship Fund of Beth El Synagogue, which supports Jewish summer experiences for Beth El kids including summer camp and trips to Israel.

Happy Birthday to Jean

two daughters: Marsha Cooper, BEth GinsBurG married to Ira, of Atlantic Beach, Jean Elkon will celebrate her NY, and Beth Ginsburg of 90th birthday on May 2nd. Jean Omaha, whose husband is Bill. was born and has spent her enAfter Jean graduated from tire life in Omaha. She was married in 1947 to Wally Elkon, who college, she obtained her Maspassed away in 2002. Her parter’s Degree from the University ents were Harry Z. and Sylvia of Nebraska-Omaha, where she Bernstein. taught speech for several years.

Jean graduated from Central Jean’s family, children, six High School, attended the Unigrandchildren, six great-grandJean Elkon versity of Nebraska and was a children, her brother Jerry and member of Sigma Delta Tau sorority. She met his wife Marlene Bernstein, nephew and nieces Wally while attending college, as he was sta- will all be in Omaha to help Jean celebrate her tioned in Lincoln during World War II. Jean has 90th birthday.

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JUNIOR VOLUNTEER SUMMER PROGRAM The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is currently seeking junior volunteers (ages 12 and up) to assist with summer activities and services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet teens from other area schools, enjoy friendly interactions with Residents, and earn service hours in a Jewish environment committed to caring, compassion and customer service. Last year’s participants made new friends and gained valuable experiences they are now applying in school and the workplace.

If you’re interesting in becoming a Junior Volunteer, please contact Linda Cogen, Volunteer Coordinator, at 402-334-6519 or lcogen@ rbjh.com. Linda will guide you through the application process, which will include an interview, training, and an orientation session.

Remember: You can make a difference!

6 | The Jewish Press | April 22, 2016

LOVE offers flowers and candy

Class of 2016 High School Seniors

High School Seniors and Parents

We will be publishing our annual High School Graduation Class pages on May 20, 2016.

To be included, we need your graduation photo and the information below. You can also email the items to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

High School Senior Information

Name _________________________________________________________________________ _ Parent(s)’ Name(s) _________________________________________________________________________ _ Current High School _________________________________________________________________________ _ College you plan to attend _________________________________________________________________________ Send by April 27 to: The Jewish Press | 333 So. 132 St. | Omaha, NE 68154

Ozzie NOgg The flowers that bloom in the spring (trala) will be center stage at the Annual LOVE Remember Her & Him with Flowers or Candy on Mother’s & Father’s Day Celebrations scheduled for Sunday, May 8 and Sunday, June 19. “These two events are fundraisers for LOVE,” explained Linda Cogen, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Volunteer Coordinator. “We emailed a promotional flyer, showing the plants available for purchase and the cost, to every contact of RBJH residents. This makes buying bouquets, balloons and candy easy, especially for out-of-town family who may not know a local florist to call. Our sale gives everyone an opportunity to remember their loved ones on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and also feel good knowing that the money benefits the Home. Our prices are very reasonable, too. Just $18 for either a flower and balloon combo or a flower and candy combination.”

Cogen sent Flower Sale flyers to every agency on the Federation Campus, Mainstreeters, local congregations, and posted the event on Facebook, too. “We want as many people as possible to know about this project and support it,” Cogen said. “Gift options include flowers and balloons or candy bars and balloons. Just indicate your choice and mail your order to the Blumkin Home - with a check made out to LOVE by Monday, May 2. Orders may be picked up in the Blumkin Home Volunteer Office on Friday, May 6, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

My thanks to Dora Goldstrom, Vicki Perlmeter and Shelley Stern for their help with arrangements.”

The programs for the two events are different but equally entertaining. Mother’s Day at the Blumkin Home features music by Vu Chen, who will perform in the Silverman Auditorium at 1:30 p.m. “Vu Chen is a wonderful pianist and vocalist,” Cogen explained. “He is part of the dance program at the Jewish Community Center and often visits the Blumkin Home to share his music with the residents.” A Tea Time with special cheesecake follows the performance, and

each female resident of the Home will receive a beautiful floral wristlet from LOVE in honor of Mother’s Day. The Father’s Day program, on Sunday, June 19, begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Silverman Auditorium and features Tuffy Epstein with his Klezmer clarinet and sassy sax.

Tuffy’s energetic music always lifts one’s spirits, as will the root beer floats served

at Tea Time following the performance.

“Male residents of the Home will receive a boutonniere from LOVE,” Cogen said.

“Both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day will be celebrated with joyful music at the Home.

We invite the entire community to share the good times and the love.”

Proceeds from the Mother’s & Father’s Day Flower Sale are part of the annual monies LOVE donates to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “We’ve very proud to write a check to the Home every year,” Cogen said.

“These kinds of projects allow us to purchase needed items -- like medication laptops, the Courtyard awnings, a balance machine and various Nurse Rosie technical equipment -- that benefit the residents and nursing staff of the RBJH. That’s what LOVE is all about.”

If you have an interest in giving the precious gift of your time, consider becoming one of the LOVE volunteers who add quality to the lives of residents in almost every area of the Home. For more information, contact Linda Cogen at 402.334.6519 or email her at lcogen@rbjh.com For those sending orders, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home address is: 323 S 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68154.

Music from around the world

Ozzie NOgg The Iowa Western Community Band, which performs at the JCC Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, echoes the sound of time-honored Americana, recognized even by the New York Times.

In a 2002 article headlined Striking Up the Band, in the Iowa Style, Times reporter Douglas Martin wrote, “Music is important in this section of the heartland. The first settlers could not carry books, but could bring a fiddle and a song. This is the heart of what Meredith Willson called the hailstone and sarsaparilla belt, that corn-fed fragment of America where tubas, trumpets and trombones still come together to transport the soul.”

Iowa native Wilson understood the allure of band concerts on summer Sunday afternoons. So did his creation, Harold Hill - The Music Man. And though the River City Boys’ Band was fictitious, it mirrored the 10,000 community bands estimated to exist in the

United States in 1889. Of those, close to one hundred are still active. Iowa Western is one of them.

Made up of volunteer musicians -- both students and members of the community -- from eastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa, the Iowa Western Community Band has delighted audiences with eclectic musical selections in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area for over 30 years. Their April 26 concert features Music from Around the World. Participation in the ensemble is open to anyone, and no audition is required. Many of these musicians learned to play an instrument in high school or college bands but did not pursue music as a career.

Participation in the Iowa Western Community Band provides an outlet for their musical abilities, a win-win for players and audience alike.

The April 26 concert, which is free and open to the community, is sponsored by the city of Council Bluffs and Jewish Social Services.

Chris Ulven is new executive director of Jss

AnneTTe vAn de KAmP-WrigHT Editor of the Jewish Press The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce that Chris Ulven has accepted the position of Executive Director of Jewish Social Services.

He brings a familiar face to JSS: Chris has been serving as the agency’s Interim Director. Prior to his current position, he was the RBJH controller for four years.

His selection as Executive Director received the full support of the JSS Board of Directors, the JFO Executive Commitee, and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Search Committee.

Chris and his wife AnChris Ulven gela have three children.

Daughter Kayla is 16, son Cade is 14 and daughter Kalli is ten. He comes to the position with over 12 years experience, four of which were at RBJH. When asked why he is excited about this new chapter, he said: “This is the best nursing home in the state of Nebraska, and arguably the whole country. The staff is tremendous, the residents are wonderful, and there is an amazing amount of community support.”

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home has managed to maintain a very high level of Jewish residency, he added.

“Compared to many other nursing homes around the country, that is very special. We may not always realize it, but many other homes don’t maintain this high level of Yiddishkeit, and it sets the Home apart as a very unique place, and something we can all be proud of. It becomes really obvious when you meet other administrators from around the country. Omaha is one of a kind.”

It is that uniqueness that makes Chris excited about his new role: “I would not want to do this anywhere but right here, in Omaha.”

Alan Potash, JFO CEO, said: “Chris Ulven is a great fit for RBJH and I am thrilled he has accepted the position.

He knows the Home well and has real affection for the residents, the staff, and for our Jewish Omaha community. I have every confidence in his abilities.”

Please join us in congratulating Chris on his new role.

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The Jewish Press | April 22, 2016 | 7

community

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An unforgettable Week of Remembering liz feldsTern Executive Director, IHE rom March 28 through April 1, more than 8,000 students, educators and community members in Omaha and throughout Nebraska heard first-hand testimony from survivors of the Holocaust as part of the Institute for Holocaust Education’s Week of Understanding 2016, a program created in partnership with the Omaha Public Schools.

Left photo: The Mitzvah Talkback at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Above photo: Holocaust survivor and liberator speakers during Week of Understanding 2016.

Credit: On the Mark Photography “The number of students we were able to reach this year in cooperation with schools throughout the area is just staggering,” said Donna Walter, Education Director for the Institute for Holocaust Education. “With the number of survivors declining, it is incredibly important that students hear these stories first-hand from survivors. This makes the stories real and personal. Time is truly running out for this privilege.”

This year’s program exceeded all expectations. Through personal appearances and distance learning technology, this year’s program included speaking engagements for students from 42 schools with a total of 10 Holocaust survivors and one liberator. In addition to public and private schools across the Omaha metro, we were able to reach schools throughout Nebraska via distance learning, which brought testimony to

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In collaboration with the Center for Faith Studies, Schwartz and Brown shared their stories of survival with a packed sanctuary of listeners at Countryside Community Church. Another highlight of the week was the stunning performance of The Mitzvah at the Omaha Community Playhouse, by Roger Grunwald. The program’s melding of poignant drama and fascinating academic research captivated everyone in attendance.

Week of Understanding enables learners of all ages to understand the political, social and intellectual conditions that culminated in the Holocaust. Speakers encourage students to recognize stereotypes, prejudice and racism – and to work toward a society in which these evils will not go unchallenged.

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many schools in our state that likely would not have the opportunity to host a survivor in-person due to distance.

Local survivors who provided testimony included Dr. Fred Kader, Kitty Williams and Bea Karp. Our guest speakers for the event included Sidney Finkel of Tucson, Sami Steigmann of New York, and Agnes Schwartz and Magda Brown, both of Skokie, IL. U.S. Army liberator, Roy Long, also spoke with students about his experiences during World War II.

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8 | The Jewish Press | April 22, 2016

community

Friedel Graduates: Where do they go to college?

CLAuDiA ShERmAn for Friedel Jewish Academy “Estimates vary, but perhaps 85-90 percent or more of young adult Jews go to college,” according to The Jewish Journal, the largest Jewish weekly newspaper in the United States outside of New York City A college education appears to be a priority to most American Jews. “Although hard to imagine as parents send their five-year-old off to the first day of kindergarten,” said Beth Cohen, Friedel’s head of school, “the impact of a child’s early educational experiences is seen throughout their educational career.”

Susan Fellman Witkowski attended the Jewish Day School of Omaha in the early 1970s “when it was in a small building on the site of the current Beth Israel Synagogue,” she said. Her father, Dick Fellman “was pivotal in starting and maintaining that school,” Witkowski pointed out. Susan’s mother, Bev Fellman, known for her dedication serving the Jewish community, recently died.

Witkowski went on to attend Brandeis University in Boston, majoring in English literature with a minor in sociology, and graduating in the late 1980s. She later attended law school in San Francisco. But she discovered she “hated it” and left.

In 1995, Witkowski moved back to Omaha and finished undergraduate pre-med classes at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She started medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center at age 31. While in medical school, she married Isaac Witkowski and had their first child, Gabby, now 15, a Friedel graduate who attends Central High School. Their second child, Julian, now 11, a fifth grader at Friedel, was born while Susan was in residency training at UNMC/Creighton/Children’s Pediatric Residency Program. For the past 11 years, she has been in practice as a pediatric urgent care doctor.

Evan Saltzman, now 39, was part of the first graduating class to complete kindergarten through sixth grade at Friedel in 1989. He still enjoys reminiscing with former classmates about “our fond memories at Friedel.”

When selecting a college, “It was important to me to be able to continue my Jewish education as well as get a college education,” said Saltzman, oldest of Lynne and Errol Saltzman’s three sons who all went to Friedel. “I applied to Yeshiva University and Touro College, both in New York City, as those institutions afforded me the ability to continue with a dual curriculum.” Accepted to both colleges, he chose Yeshiva University, which “was a good fit for me at the time for what I wanted to do both educationally and professionally.” He graduated in 2001 with a bachelor of science in management information systems.

From 2002 to 2014, Saltzman was corporate IT service desk manager and business continuity coordinator for The Rockefeller Group based in Manhattan. In August 2014, Saltzman and his wife, Rebekah Chaifetz Saltzman, made aliyah and now live in Haifa. Since September 2015, Evan has been working with DataBit, Inc., a managed services provider of IT solutions. He works remotely from Israel as a service desk engineer.

Evan and Rebekah have three children: Nathan, nine, and Alice (Elke) and Alexander, three-year-old twins.

Evan also added to his educational résumé by earning his MBA with a dual concentration in management information systems and strategic management from Pace University’s Lubin School of Business.

“Friedel laid the foundation for my future, and my educational decisions all stemmed from that,” remarked Saltzman. “I doubt this is what I was thinking as a sixth grader leaving Friedel, but looking back, there was a continuity of maintaining a Jewish education and Jewish identity.”

Gila Drazen, daughter of Beth El Synagogue’s former spiritual leader, Rabbi Paul Drazen and his wife Susie Drazen, attended Friedel from 1985 to 1992, kindergarten through sixth grade. “I have a lot of wonderful memories (of Friedel), but probably most dear to my heart is remembering the fantastic educators,” she recalled.

After being accepted by two colleges, the University of Iowa and the University of Judaism (now the American Jewish University) in Los Angeles, Gila chose the latter. “I wanted a small, Jewishly-oriented educational experience.”

She graduated in 2002 with a bachelor of arts in literature and currently lives in New York City. Since October 2015, Drazen, now 35, has been working in the development department of Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New

Gila Drazen

Eva Phillips

Lilly Phillips

Aaron Rich

Adam Rich

Seth Rich

Evan Saltzman

Susan Witkowski

York, “one of the largest synagogues in the world,” she pointed out.

“Friedel absolutely influenced my college choice,” continued Drazen. “I chose a small university where classes in my major had six people, we called our professors by their first names, and everyone knew everyone. If that’s not a Friedel influence,” she insisted, “I don’t know what is.”

Another Friedel kindergartner through sixth grader, Adam Rich, 35, graduated from the school in 1993. When he started in 1986, Friedel had classes from kindergarten only through third grade. But while he was attending the school, the grade level extended through sixth grade allowing Rich to benefit from “amazing field trips; winter and spring plays, musicals, and programs; civic oration competitions; and the infamous Turkey Bowl football game on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in 1991 when the score was 0 to 0,” he recalled.

After graduating with honors in 1999 from Burke High School, Adam, one of Diane and Philip Rich’s three sons who all attended Friedel, began classes at the University of

Kansas. He had been accepted to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Iowa State University, and Kansas State University as well as all four of their Colleges of Architecture. Contributing factors in selecting KU included it having “the largest Jewish student population of any of the four schools and its proximity to an even larger Jewish community in Overland Park, Kansas.”

Rich earned a bachelor of architecture in 2004 as well as a bachelor of arts with a major in psychology.

Rich is also “thankful for my choice to attend KU, because if I hadn’t, then I never would have met my wife, Jessica Kalender. They live in Overland Park and have four children: Yonatan, eight, Eliezer, six, Yehoshua, four, and Devora, who will turn a year old on July 5. Both Yonatan and Eliezer attend the community Jewish day school in the area.

Rich works for Hockenbergs, a restaurant kitchen equipment dealer, headquartered in Omaha although Rich works in the design department of the Kansas City branch. He just celebrated his fifth year there.

According to Rich, “Jewish traditions and morals were compared, correlated, and intertwined with the daily skills that were taught to me at Friedel. How lucky I am to live my life as a Jew who enjoys embracing our lifestyle, because I was taught so many life skills and values at such a young age.”

Rich’s cousin, Aaron Rich, 33, son of Joel and Mary Ann Rich, remembers “studying electricity with his teacher Mrs. (Denise) Bennett,” one of his favorite memories. He attended Friedel from kindergarten through sixth grade.

He applied to five colleges and was accepted by all five. “It came down to the Colorado School of Mines, an engineering focused school, or Purdue,” he said. He chose the School of Mines, because he preferred the smaller student body of 3,000 over 30,000. “Plus Colorado is awesome, and I could go snowboarding for class credit!”

Aaron confided that Friedel did not influence his choice of college but did affect his field of study. Friedel initiated his interest in electronics which led to computer programming at Central High School.

A software engineering lead at Northrop Grumman Corporation since 2004 in Denver, Aaron majored in math and computer science with a minor in electrical engineering. He and his wife, Molly T. Zwerdlinger, live in Denver.

Aaron’s brother, Seth, now 27, started going to Friedel when he was in first grade, the year the school opened on the JCC campus. He particularly remembers participating in the Modern Woodmen of America speech contest which was “among my favorite experiences since they had a lot to do with setting me on the path to speech and debate which was largely responsible for my future career,” Seth explained.

He graduated in 2001 and after completing Central High School, he enrolled at Creighton University. “I chose Creighton,” Seth said, “because of its focus on social justice, its political science department, and placement of graduates into leadership roles - particularly in politics.” He majored in political science and is currently the Voter Expansion and Protection Data Director for the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C. where he moved in 2012 right after graduating from Creighton.

“Having such a strong base of knowledge about my religious identity made it easier for me to push myself into ‘unfamiliar’ environments. Going through Creighton had a lot to do with how my moral compass evolved, but there wouldn’t have been much to shape,” declared Seth, “had it not been for Friedel and my upbringing.”

Lilly Phillips, 21, and Eva Phillips, 20, daughters of Dr. Eric and Julie Phillips, graduated from Friedel in 2006 and 2008, respectively. Lilly is currently at Stanford University and will graduate with a bachelor of arts in psychology.

She’s beginning to plan her next steps after graduation, reported her mother.

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sustainable environmental design and a minor in city planning, Eva is a sophomore at the University of California at Berkeley. Like her sister, Eva plans to attend graduate school in the near future.

“I know both girls feel that the confidence, encouragement, and individualized learning and care they received at Friedel gave them a strong foundation for their future education,” added Julie Phillips. “When Lilly was selected as a Presidential Scholar for the State of Nebraska,” said Julie, “she wrote in her essay that Friedel ‘set the bar for what learning could and should be.’”

The Jewish Press | April22, 2016 | 9

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(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Andrew Boehm; Scott Farkas; Paul Gerber; Alex Grossman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Paul Rabinovitz; Nancy Wolf and Barry Zoob.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press.

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Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

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I

Disproportionate

ANNETTE vAN DE KAmP-WRiGHT Editor of the Jewish Press t’s the word of the day: disproportionate. It’s what happens when terrorists lob rockets at you, and you respond in kind to defend yourself. If the targets you are going after (namely, the places where said rockets come from) happen to be in the middle of residential neighborhoods (not your choice, but hey) you warn the civilian population beforehand. With flyers and text messages.

If they still don’t leave after that, and civilians die, it’s your fault for not calling off the counter attack. Because it’s, well, disproportionate.

“Bernie Sanders doubles down on calling Israel’s 2014 response in Gaza ‘disproportionate,’” screams one CNN headline. And: “Bernie Sanders Got It Right. Israel Did Use Disproportionate Force in Gaza,” claims Haaretz. Plug the words “Israel” and “disproportionate” into your search engine and Google offers up about 438,000 results. To be fair, it’s not an entirely new phrase; it has steadily gained popularity since the 2014 operation Protective Edge.

I’m not opposed to criticism of the Israeli government. If we operate from the assumption that everything Israel does is right and beyond reproach, we are not doing the country any favors. Disagreements, discussions, uncomfortable conversations, they all force us to take an honest look at the world and fine-tune our opinions. I also think it is possible to love Israel deeply and simultaneously care about what happens to the Palestinians.

But: the real enemy of the Palestinian people is not Israel, it is Hamas. And the trouble with the incessant negative publicity about Israel, the one-sided criticism and the namecalling is that the discussion never includes the whole story.

So, would somebody please stand up and admit there is bad behavior on the other side? Seriously, it’s like we’re back in elementary school, when some other kid kicks you, you kick him back, and the teacher chooses that exact moment to start paying attention. You are sent to the office and the

other kid gets sympathy. It makes me feel like stomping my foot and yelling: “It’s Not Fair!”

The other day, the Omaha World Herald published a letter in its Public Pulse section that posed the question: “Is opposing Israeli policies anti-Semitism?”

If you have to ask, it probably is. The opposition itself is not anti-Semitic (because both the United States and Israel are representational democracies and that comes with free speech), but telling an incomplete story is. When you criticize Israel, and only Israel, and you do so in a vacuum where you don’t address that the current conflict has many different players, you show your true colors. And that reeks of antiSemitism, plain and simple.

Don’t like hearing that? Tough.

The time when we could, in the United States, have a fair and balanced discussion about Middle Eastern policies, is long gone. If there ever was such a time. That is a real shame, because there is so much to talk about. Between Israeli citizens living in constant fear of the next attack, and the Palestinian population (whether they live in Gaza, or the West Bank, or in refugee camps elsewhere in the Middle East) not seeing a way out, I think there is much work to be done. Painting some banners and hosting an Israeli Apartheid Week on your college campus certainly doesn’t help anyone.

I am not saying I have the answer. I don’t think anyone does, at the moment. But I do know one thing: the response around our country, on college campuses, in the media, during this election cycle, has been, well, disproportionate.

URiEL HEiLmAN NEW YORK | JTA How was Helene and Bob Fine’s family seder in 2000 different from every other Passover night?

First lady Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea came.

(President Bill Clinton would have joined, too, if not for Yasser Arafat, but we’ll get to that.)

It was a genuine family seder at the Fines’ home with about 15 people, all family and friends, held on Passover’s first night. Helene made her traditional brisket and tzimmes, there were no photographers present and the Clintons stayed for hours.

“She didn’t want publicity from it,” Bob Fine said. “She was real, she was personal, she participated in everything.

She was one of the best seder guests we’ve ever had.

Chelsea, too.”

At the time, Fine was the rabbi at the Conservative Bet Torah in Mount Kisco, the Westchester County village just down the road from Chappaqua, the New York suburb where the Clintons recently had bought a house in anticipation of Bill Clinton’s return to private life and Hillary’s run for the U.S. Senate from New York. One of the Fines’ sons, Yoni, attended Stanford University, where Chelsea Clinton also was a student. The two moved in the same circles and were friendly.

As Passover approached, Yoni mentioned to Chelsea that his parents lived just a mile or so down the road from Chappaqua and asked if she’d be in the neighborhood for spring break and would like to join them for seder. Chelsea said she’d love to and asked if she could bring her parents.

“Why not?” Yoni said.

“Well, things can get a little complicated when my father comes,” Chelsea said, according to the Fines’ retelling.

As it turned out, Bill Clinton never made it. Arafat, the PLO leader, was due to be in town, and the president was detained in Washington.

Hillary and Chelsea participated in lively discussions and stayed for about six hours, until around midnight.

“It turns out they weren’t going back to Chappaqua that night but to Washington, and they were supposed to leave by a certain time because their plane needed to take off before the suburban airport in the area closed for the night,”

said Josh Fine. “But they were so engaged in the conversation that they stayed about two hours later than they said they could.”

The evening did have a couple of snafus. Helene Fine didn’t know Chelsea was a vegetarian, and the main course

Credit: Josh Evnin via Wikimedia commons

The time Hillary Clinton came to the rabbi’s family seder – and stayed for hours

Bob and Helene Fine meeting President Bill Clinton at the White House in December 2000, a few months after hosting first lady Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea for Passover seder.

Credit: Bob Fine

was first-cut brisket smothered in onions. Worse, Helene inadvertently made the tzimmes with prunes that had pits.

She was forced to watch, with some horror, as the first lady wordlessly removed them by bringing a soup spoon to her mouth, pursing her lips to extract the pit and then neatly lining up the pits on her plate.

“There was such an aristocratic grace to it in not calling attention to it,” Helene Fine said with a chuckle. “I could see she was properly trained in table etiquette.”

There was a bevy of preparations before the Clintons arrived. The Secret Service came to the house to check things out, scoping out the bathrooms, reviewing the guest list, instructing the Fines to leave the shades closed and asking where the food came from.

“My wife looked at them strangely and said, ‘What do you mean?’” Bob Fine recalled. “They said, ‘Who’s the caterer?’ Helene told them, ‘I’m making all the food.’ The Secret Service guy hesitated. Then he whispered into his earpiece: ‘It’s being self-catered.’”

Helene Fine said she didn’t really have time to be nervous about preparing. She was a full-time English teacher and always hosted both seders. Had there been time, Helene said

ruefully, she would have bought pitted prunes.

The Fines run a pretty traditional seder, with a lot of discussion, plenty of singing and an old-school menu: shmura matzah, gefilte fish, apple matzah kugel, brisket. They dip asparagus in salt water for the karpas course and real horseradish with endive for maror. Their Hagaddah, The Feast of Freedom, was the official one of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly.

During the Maggid section, which recounts the Jews’ oppression in Egypt before their eventual exodus, each participant around the table read a different section. Hillary Clinton had the part about a verse from Deuteronomy that translates as “My father was a wandering Aramean.” She talked about contemporary parallels of discrimination, including the ethnic conflict in Kosovo. Then she did a humorous riff on her own experience with wandering.

“She said, ‘My husband was a wandering politician, we went from Arkansas to Washington, we were oppressed by the press,’” Bob Fine recalled. “She just did a satire of it that was spectacular.”

Though Hillary Clinton said it was her first time ever at a traditional family seder, it was hardly her first Passover.

When she was a college student at Wellesley she helped Jewish friends prepare seders, and as the First Lady of Arkansas and then the United States she had attended numerous communal seder events.

The thing that seemed to delight Clinton most, the Fines recalled, was the opportunity it gave her to get to know Chelsea’s college friends who had come for the seder.

“She came more as a mom than the first lady or a Senate candidate,” Josh Fine said.

A few months after Passover, the Clintons reciprocated by inviting the Fines to the White House for a pre-Christmas event -- along with 500 of the Clintons’ closest friends.

When President Clinton shook their hand, he said Hillary and Chelsea told him they had a great time at the seder.

Clinton’s seder visit never made it into the papers. Fine talked about it from his pulpit the next week, but that was pretty much it.

“I wanted to respect her request that she didn’t want any publicity from it,” Bob Fine said. “Her agenda was not a political one.”

10 | The Jewish Press | April 22, 2016

synagogues B’NAI ISRAeL SyNAgogue

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

BeTh eL SyNAgogue

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org

BeTh ISRAeL SyNAgogue

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

chABAD houSe

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

coNgRegATIoN B’NAI JeShuRuN

South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

offuTT AIR foRce BASe

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244

RoSe BLumkIN JewISh home

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

TempLe ISRAeL

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

TIfeReTh ISRAeL

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

B’NAI ISRAeL SyNAgogue

Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on may 13, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Jeannette Gabriel of the University of Iowa Libraries on We did so much beyond the home: The history of Jewish Women’s Community Life in Iowa.

There will an Oneg to follow service. All community members are invited to attend.

Larry Blass will officiate at all of the Speaker Series Services.

For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Mark Eveloff, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.

BeTh eL SyNAgogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. fRIDAy: Morning Service/Siyyum B’khorim, 7 a.m. followed by Biur Chametz; Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 5:30 p.m.

SATuRDAy: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Pre-Seder Activities, 5 p.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m.; Community Second Seder, 6:30 p.m. weekDAy SeRVIceS: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

SuNDAy: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; No BESTT Classes; Mincha, following Morning Services. weDNeSDAy: No BESTT Classes.

Seventh Day of Pesach -- Synagogue Office Closed, friday, April 29.

Hebrew High Dinner & Program, wednesday, may 4, 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel.

Yom HaShoah Community Observance, wednesday, may 4, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel.

All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BeTh ISRAeL SyNAgogue

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. fRIDAy: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by Siyum B’chorim; Chametz may be eaten until 10:36 a.m.; Biur Chametz, 11:15 a.m.; Burning/Bitul Chametz before, noon; Mincha-Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 7:55 p.m.; Earliest Seder Time, 8:58 p.m.

SATuRDAy: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:35 p.m.; Seder Introduction, 7:45 p.m.; Ma’ariv and Intermission, 8:40 p.m.; Seder/Havdalah, 8:58 p.m.

SuNDAy: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights into Passover, 7:15 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8 p.m.; Havdalah, 9 p.m. weekDAyS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. moNDAy-weDNeSDAy: Shacharit - Chol Ha-Moed, 6:45 a.m.

ThuRSDAy: Shacharit - Chol Ha-Moed, 6:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:01 p.m.

Minch/Seudah Shlishit “Close of Pesach Banquet, friday, April 30, 7:45 p.m.

chABAD houSe

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. fRIDAy: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.; Eat Chametz until 11:04 a.m.; Burn your chametz before, 12:13 a.m.; Mincha, 7 p.m.; First Seder, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 7:54 p.m.

SATuRDAy: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m..; Mincha, 7:30 p.m.; Ligtht Candles after, 8:57 p.m.

SuNDAy: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha, 7:30 p.m. weekDAyS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

ThuRSDAy: Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:01 p.m.

Moshiach Fesast, Saturday, April 30, 7:30 p.m.

All programs are open to the entire community.

coNgRegATIoN B’NAI JeShuRuN

Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. fRIDAy: Passover: No services at South Street Temple.

SATuRDAy: Passover: No services at South Street Temple or Torah Study; Annual Community Second Night Seder, 6 p.m.

SuNDAy: No LJCS Classes; Board of Trustees Meeting, 1:30 p.m. weDNeSDAy: No LJCS classes.

ThuRSDAy: Mishnah Matzah: Peculiarities of Passover

Laws, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Lewis; Choir Meeting, 7 p.m.

Join Temple Choir!

Pre-neg and Sha-ba-ba-bat Family Dinner, friday, April 29, 6 p.m. followed by Shabbat Evening Service at 6:30 p.m.

The music committee is forming a year-round choir to sing a song or two at services. Whether you normally sing in High Holy Day choir or you've always wanted to learn the Jewish melodies, this is a great opportunity to learn, laugh and grow.

Experience not required. If you have any interest in our music, stop by our first meeting on Thursday April 28 at 7 p.m. at the Temple.

Nebraska State Holocaust Commemoration, Sunday, may 1, 3 p.m. in the State Capitol Rotunda with keynote speaker, Sam Passer. For questions or information, visit JewishLin coln.org or contact IHE at info@ihene.org or 402.334.6576.

Lincoln Jewish Community School CAMP ISRAEL, July 11– July 22, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Kosher lunch and snack provided. LJCS enrolled students entering Kindergarten through 7th grade are eligible to attend Camp Israel. Those in 8th grade and up can participate as Counselors in Training. Contact Andrea Halpern or Tracy Gordon if you are interested!

offuTT AIR foRce BASe

fRIDAy: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

RoSe BLumkIN JewISh home

fRIDAy: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m., with Beth El; First Seder, 6 p.m., led by the Kohll Family.

SATuRDAy: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Steve Riekes; Second Seder, 6 p.m., led by the Polack Family.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TempLe ISRAeL

fRIDAy: Shabbat Service, 4 p.m. *Please note the time change.

SATuRDAy: Passover Breakfast and Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Passover Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m.; Passover Family Seder: Let Us Make the Seder for You!, 5:30 p.m. Join us for our family friendly Passover Seder. Reservations are a must!

Please contact the Temple Israel office, 402.556.6536 or RSVp@templeisraelomaha. com, to reserve your seats.

Cost of the dinner is: $25 for adults, $12 for children ages 612, and no charge for children ages five and under.

SuNDAy: Teacher Meeting, 9 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Temple Israel TED Talk, 11 a.m.; More Than A Joke: A Jew, A Christian, and a Muslim Walk Into A Pub, 5 p.m. with Tri-Faith Initiative leaders Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rev. Dr. Eric

Elnes, Dr. Syed Mohiuddin and others at Sean O”Casey’s Irish Pub, 2523 S 140 Avenue. weDNeSDAy: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Chapel for School, 4:30 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; Confirmation Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.; Israel through the Eyes of the Shalom Hartman Institute, 6:30 p.m. with Scott Littky; Conversation on Senior Rabbinic Search, 6:30 p.m.

ThuRSDAy: The Writings of Maimonides, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel.

Concluding Passover Service and Yizkor, friday, April 29, 10:30 a.m. If you would like to have the names of your loved ones read at the concluding service, please contact Temple Israel, 402.556.6536 or mweidner@templeisraelomaha. com, by April 27 with the names.

OTYG and 8th Grade Lock in, friday, April 29, 5 p.m.

OTYG will be leading Shabbat Services and followed by a social activity and OTYG Elections! Cost is $20 and includes dinner.

Remember to bring your sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, pjs, etc. Please RSVP to Director of Youth and Young Adult Engagement Aliyah Lasky, 402.556.6536 or alasky@templeisraelomaha.com.

Tot Shabbat, Saturday, April 30, 9:15 a.m.

Grades 9-12 Yom HaShoah Youth Dinner and Program, wednesday, may 4, 5:30 p.m.

TIfeReTh ISRAeL

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. fRIDAy: The synagogue office is closed for Pesach; Passover: No services at Tifereth Israel; Adult-Centered First Seder, 6:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Candle Lighting, 7:56 p.m.

SATuRDAy: The synagogue office is closed for Pesach; Shabbat Pesach Services, 9 a.m. There will not be a Kiddush Lunch following services as the kitchen is closed for Passover; Child-Centered Second Seder, 6:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Candle Lighting, 8:56 p.m.

SuNDAy: No LJCS classes; Mincha/Ma’ariv Sevice, 6:30 p.m. weDNeSDAy: No LJCS classes.

Synagogue Office Closed for Pesach, friday-Saturday, April 29 and 30.

Nebraska State Holocaust Commemoration, Sunday, may 1, 3 p.m. in the State Capitol Rotunda with keynote speaker, Sam Passer. For questions or information, visit JewishLin coln.org or contact IHE at info@ihene.org or 402.334.6576.

Lincoln Jewish Community School CAMP ISRAEL, July 11– July 22, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Kosher lunch and snack provided. LJCS enrolled students entering Kindergarten through 7th grade are eligible to attend Camp Israel. Contact Andrea Halpern or Tracy Gordon if you are interested!

New Assistant Rabbi at Temple Israel ScoTT LITTky Program Director, Temple Israel Earlier this month, Michael Halsted, President, and Rosie Zweiback, Chairman of the Assistant Rabbi Search Committee and President Elect announced to the congregation that a new Assistant Rabbi had been secured to replace Rabbi Josh Brown who will be moving to Akron, Ohio, in June to assume the Senior Rabbi position at Temple Israel. Rabbi Rabbi Deanna Sussman Deanna Sussman will be joining the Temple Israel community on July 1st. When introducing Rabbi Sussman to the congregation, Dr Halsted and Ms. Zweiback said: “We had a strong pool of applicants and the search committee worked diligently to review them all. Rabbi Sussman’s personal warmth, her professional experiences and her passion for Judaism and the Jewish people were very compelling” Rabbi Sussman is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. For the past two years, she has served as the Rabbi Educator at Central Reform Congregation, a vibrant congregation of 780 households in St. Louis. Her responsibilities included directing the adult education program, teaching in

the religious school, working with conversion candidates, mentoring B’nai Mitzvah students, leading services and performing life cycle events. Rabbi Sussman also created a monthly musical Shabbat experience for young adults in their 20s and 30s in the St. Louis area.

Rabbi Sussman attended HUC-JIR in Los Angeles. She earned a Master of Arts in Jewish Education and was ordained in May of 2014. While at HUC-JIR, Rabbi Sussman explored many facets of the rabbinate. In addition to student pulpits at Temple Beth Torah, Temple Beth Shalom, Beth Knesset Bamidbar, and at the China Lake Naval Air and Weapons Station, Rabbi Sussman served as the Harold M. Schulweis Rabbinic Intern at Jewish World Watch, an organization that promotes education, advocacy and action around issues of genocide and mass atrocities. She had a second rabbinic internship at Our House Grief Support Center, providing pastoral care to both children and adults. Prior to her enrollment in rabbinic school, Rabbi Sussman attended Indiana University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jewish Studies and Religious Studies and a double minor in Hebrew and Psychology.

Earlier this month, Rabbi Sussman married Jared Berezin. They will be in Omaha the week of April 25 to find a place to live. Ms. Zweiback further stated, “The Temple Israel community looks forward to welcoming Deana and Jared to Omaha and looks forward to formally installing Rabbi Sussman as our next Assistant Rabbi after the holidays in early November.”

The Jewish Press | April 22, 2016 | 11

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

lifecycles iN memoriam

sam fried

Continued from page 1 missed in our community.”

Sam was never a fan of what he called “memorials of bricks and mortar.”

What he was passionate about was education. It’s why he spoke to so many young audiences, and why he believed that the best way to honor victims of the Holocaust is to ensure future generations will not be subjected to similar horrors. Together with his wife Frances he co-founded the Heartland Holocaust Education Fund, which finances Holocaust education courses at Nebraska colleges. In 2011, Louis and Frances Blumkin joined these efforts, and together they established the Louis and Frances Blumkin Professorship of Holocaust and Genocide Education Studies at UNO. More recently, he saw his dream about higher education come to fruition at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, when UNO became the first college or university in the Midwest to offer a minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Ken Bird, who as Chairman of the Frances and Sam Fried Holocaust and Genocide Education Fund was closely involved, said: “Sam was not only a fantastic individual; he was a world class teacher.

His personal message and the passion with which he delivered it has helped thousands to better understand the horrific events surrounding the Holocaust.

“Sam never lost his ability to laugh and make others laugh. He was a master of using humor to make his points. Sam was a strongly opinionated individual who loved a good argument and debating an issue or process were some of our best times together. Every interaction ended in a hug and kind words.”

David Boocker, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said: “Sam’s passing is a great loss to everyone at UNO. Yet we celebrate the wonderful human being who emerged from the Holocaust, not only as a survivor, but as someone who lived each day maintaining a positive outlook on life and human nature. Sam’s lifetime commitment to Holocaust and Genocide education is his enduring legacy to UNO. We can rest assured that future generations of UNO students will have the incredible opportunity to study about tragic events that must never be forgotten. And for that, all of us who had the opportunity to know Sam are eternally grateful.”

“I am deeply saddened by the news,” added Lana Obradovic, Assistant Professor of Political Science at UNO. “I am forever grateful to Sam for endowing the Holocaust and Genocide program at UNO. His monumental contribution not only gave a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves, but will continue changing lives through education for generations to come.

Humanity owed him a debt it could never repay, but we at UNO will seek to honor his life and his vision by remembering the past and protecting the future from horrific atrocities.”

Alan Potash, Jewish Federation of Omaha CEO, said: “Sam was an inspiration to many in our community and will be sorely missed. Throughout the years, he spoke to hundreds of young people about his experiences, but always with an eye to the future. His and his wife Frances’ recent establishment of the Holocaust and Genocide Studies Minor at the University of Nebraska-Omaha is evidence of his tremendous passion for education. May his memory be for a blessing.”

Daughter Susan Fried remembers her dad’s saying that his highest priority was leaving his family a good name that represented integrity.

“He truly represented Tikun Olam,” she added. “His efforts will live on in future generations as they learn the lessons of the Holocaust and that evil requires vigilance and activism. He taught us that bystanders are just as complicit as the perpetrators when evil takes hold in our civilization. His ability to love was amazing. He was dedicated to his wife, his children, step- children and his grandchildren. He searched for the sense of family he lost at such a young age and was grateful that he found that in the Omaha community. He said that the Omaha Jewish community was the bridge from the horrors of his past to the joys of his future.

“These past few years have been very tough as my Dad fought for every breath of life while his body betrayed him. I pray that he has found the peace he sought and the knowledge that he left a living legacy for generations.”

Sam passed away April 11. Services were held on April 14 at Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California Street, Omaha, NE. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Magda Fried, and daughterin-law, Paula Robinson.

He is survived by his loving wife Frances Fried, daughter, Susan Fried, sons and daughters-in-law, Sandi and Ed Fried, Julie and Jim Fried, stepson and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Kimberly Robinson, stepson, Mark Robinson, step-daughter, Nancy Robinson Rech, and 14 grandchildren.

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

1439 So. 13th 402-341-2452

Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

Memorials may be made to Sam and Frances Fried Holocaust and Genocide Education Fund (#01133430), The University of Nebraska Foundation, P. O. Box 82555, Lincoln, NE 68501.

kevee (Cal kirsheN) kirsheNbaum

Kevee (Cal Kirshen) Kirshenbaum passed away April 14 at age 86 at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Services were held April 17 at Mt. Sinai Cemetery.

He as proceeded in death by his parents, Abraham and Yetta Kirshenbaum and brother, Max Kirshenbaum.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan Kirshenbaum; sons and daughters-in-law, Craig and Sharon Kirshenbaum of Omaha and Larry and Amy Kirshenbaum of Denver; son, Todd Kirshenbaum of York, NE; daughter and son-in-law, Kerry and Mike Hollst of Elkhorn, NE; grandchildren: Anthony Marcola of Scottsdale, AZ; Nicholas and Sara Kirshenbaum, Angela and Trent Jindra, Ryan Hollst, Shaylie Hollst and Ayden Hollst all of Omaha and Roby Kirshenbaum of Denver; sister, Rose Cohen; brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Maxine Kirshenbaum of Omaha; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was born on Nov. 10 1929 in Omaha. As a youngster, Kevee spent many days at the old Jewish Community Center perfecting his basketball talent. He and his siblings helped out at their father’s grocery store and delivered bread and butter to Omaha’s Jewish community. After graduating from Central High School in 1947, he enrolled at Omaha University and graduated with a Business Administration degree with a minor in broadcasting. In 1951, he was drafted into the Army and was sent to Korea. He was discharged in 1954, finished college and moved to Los Angeles, CA, to attend a radio and television school. While attending classes he got a job at a local bank and met a charming brunette vacationing in L.A., Joan Vavrina from Queens, NY. They were married in 1955. Kevee got a job in a small radio station in Littlefield, TX, where he worked alongside a young up-and-coming Country Western singer named Waylon Jennings.

He was offered a job at KFAB back in Omaha where he did newscasts and working nights. Kevee, now professionally known as Cal Kirshen, was hired at local TV station KMTV. There he learned the ropes from Floyd Kalber and Tom Brokaw. He did live commercials and eventually did sportscasting and later became the station’s weatherman. In 1973 he moved to the sales department and worked in that capacity until he officially retired in 2001. Retirement didn’t last long and he returned to KMTV on a part-time basis.

Kevee, or “Keekee” as he was nicknamed by his siblings, enjoyed UNL football, attending his grandkids’ programs and spending time with his family.

Memorials may be made to The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

thelma lustgarteN

Thelma Lustgarten passed away April 10 at age 86. Services were held April 12 at the Fisher Farm Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 62 years, Steve; sister, Adele; brothers, Herman and David, and niece, Paula She is survived by her sons, Scott and Michael; daughter, Jill (Tim); nieces and nephews: Terri, Marci (John), and Tim; great nieces: Lauren, Abbey and Tess; Paula’s former husband, Steve.

Memorials are suggested to The Steve and Thelma Lustgarten Endowment Fund in care of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

leoNard “les” sChNeidermaN

Leonard “Les” Schneiderman passed away April 10 after a long illness.

Private burial services were held April 13 followed by a memorial service at Temple Israel, 13111 Sterling Ridge.

He was preceded in death by his parents Sarah and Irving Schneiderman, brother Dr. Neal Schneiderman, and uncles Nathan and Abe Kesselman.

He is survived by wife, Jan Ricks Schneiderman; daughters and sons-inlaw, Robin Schneiderman Baer and Kenneth Bear of Dix Hills, NY, Debra Schneiderman Trenton and Steven Trenton of Mission Hills, KS, and Scott and Heidi Schneiderman; grandchildren: Lauren and Adam Baer, New York City, Andrew and Emily Trenton, Syracuse, New York, and Brooke, Tyler and Spencer Schneiderman of Omaha; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marty and Iris Ricks, Omaha, and sister-in-law, Shirley Schneiderman Morris, Dallas.

Les was born October 10, 1928, in New York City. He was the former owner and President of KB Foods, Inc., a long time foodservice distributor.

In his later years he became an avid antique collector.

Memorials may be made to Temple Israel, 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive or to the National Council of Jewish Women, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite #1901, New York, NY 10115-0002.

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12 | The Jewish Press | April 22, 2016

community

T

Yom ha’zikaron and Yom ha’atzmaut: Remember and celebrate Mark kirchhoff Center for Jewish Life he unique melting of a solemn commemoration and a fun-filled celebration will take part in Omaha on May 10 and 11. The first event will focus on Yom Ha’zikaron, the yearly remembrance of Israel’s fallen soldiers. The second is Yom Ha’Atzmaut, the celebration of Israel Independence Day. On Yom Ha’zikaron, the entire country of Israel literally stands in silence as sirens sound twice during the day in remembrance of those who have been killed. Cars come to a stop. People step out and stand solemnly.

Noise fades away while the entire country takes a few precious moments to remember the sacrifices of the many that died in defense of Israel. The many victims of terrorism are also remembered.

In Omaha, two Yom Ha’zikaron observances will be held on May 10. The first commemoration event, organized and led by Community Shaliach Eliad Eliayhu, will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the JCC Social Hall.

Teens who participated in the Mega-Teen Mission to Israel in December will read short texts written by soldiers and family members. Eyal Ben Zeev, a Jewish Agency Israel Fellow working with the Metro Chicago Hillel will give a presentation about the cultural importance of Yom Ha’zikaron in Israeli society. His talk is titled And Soon We Will Be-

come a Song. The second ceremony is the Friedel Jewish Academy commemoration on Wednesday morning, May 11 beginning at 10:55 a.m. Friedel students will participate in the ceremony which will take place at the JCC flagpole. Community members are invited and encouraged to attend.

It is then time to move from solemnity to festivity with the celebration of the 68th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. Omaha’s Community Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration on Wednesday evening, May 11, begins with a children’s carnival in the JCC Pavilion area. The carnival takes place from 5:30-7 p.m. A variety of activities will provide a wide range of enjoyment including inflatables, an IDF obstacle course, hummus making, a trivia wheel and a scavenger hunt. There will be stations to create an Israeli flag wind sock, notes to the

Kotel and to IDF soldiers. Face painting and a balloon artist will add to the fun. Also make plans to enjoy a tasty dinner, with a variety of items available for purchase from Star Catering. Menu choices will include falafel, hamburgers, hot dogs and more.

The annual B’nai B’rith Trivia Quiz begins at 6:15 p.m. next to the CDC. Always a fun competition, this is a great chance to put together your own team and win cash prizes, showing off your knowledge of all things Israel and Jewish. For more information or to register, email bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

The evening of celebration then moves to the musical side with a special Yom Ha’Atzmaut concert, beginning at 7 p.m. in the grassy area near the JCC Pavilion. The performance will begin with the voices of children from the Child Development Center, led by Eliad. A 50-minute show called The

Heart of Israel will follow, featuring Avi Dayan, a performer from Omaha’s Partnership2GETHER region in northern Israel.

The performance will include the best of Israeli music through the generations. Audience participation will be encouraged. The line-up will include new arrangements along with favorites such as Hallelujah, Jerusalem of Gold, and Yiddishe Mama. As part of the performance, Avi actively interacts with the audience by telling stories and discussing the songs. He began performing in 1988 and specializes in singing a variety of historical and contemporary Hebrew songs. Avi participated in the Moldova International Song Festival with representatives from 22 countries and was awarded first place. Avi’s wife, Fanny, serves as stage manager and she will travel to Omaha as well. Avi’s brother and sister-in-law, Moshe and Shuli Dayan, entertained the community as Yom Ha’Atzmaut performers in 2013.

Funding for Yom Ha’Atzmaut events is provided by the Herbert Goldsten Trust, in addition to the Special Donor Advised Fund and the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, funds of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut events are presented by the Jewish Community Center, the Center for Jewish Life and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For additional information, please call 402.334.8200 or visit www.jewishomaha.org.

Serving Generations…

Bill Cutler III

Thursday, May 5 | Friday, May 6

Snowbirds 402-391-3900

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Bill Cutler IV

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